DSLR Camera

My first camera was a 110 format.  When my Dad got a new camera, I inherited the 35mm camera.  The first camera I bought was a Canon PowerShot SD400 Digital ELPH.  I thought this took great pictures and was a simple, convenient size.  As it started to get beat up, I replaced it with a Canon PowerShot ELPH 100HS.  This had a bigger screen and more megapixels.  The picture quality seemed reasonable, but it was not a significant step up.

As the price of DSLR cameras has come down and I am finding shortcomings in my pictures, I am prepared to get a little more serious about photography.  Considering my starting point, the leap to full frame professional camera bodies is certainly overkill.  I have some brand loyalty to Canon and am a little leery of the touch screens on the newer bodies.  To that end, I am planning on getting a Canon EOS Rebel t3i.  This is an APS-C format camera released in early 2011.  While ancient in terms of technology refresh it has all of the features I want at a reasonable price point.

Unfortunately the EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Type II lens that it was bundled with has a few shortcomings.  It does not have a significant zoom.  It has a varying focal length.  It is also not compatible with full frame cameras should I choose to upgrade.

For the variety of shooting that I do, I would be well served by a telephoto lens and a macro lens.  However, I am not prepared to drop $6000 on lenses, nor do I want a host of cheap lenses that are sunk costs.  I am going to start with the EF 24-105mm f/4 IS USM lens which is macro capable, has solid image stabilization, consistent focal length and is full frame compatible.  Unfortunately the lens will cost more than the t3i with EF-S lens combination, but it should meet my needs for a long time.

I am not ready to invest in better telephoto lens which will be heavier to carry around.  Nor do my macro needs justify a significant lens investment.

I don’t need professional grade equipment to take pictures of the kids, but I think I can do a lot better than my point and shoot.